News

Altec Lansing has introduced its new Octiv Mini audio dock for the iPod and iPhone. The angular, compact speaker system measures roughly four inches by five inches with an integrated dock on top, and works with the company’s free Alarm Rock app to function as a full-featured alarm clock with time display, oversized snooze button, a customizable interface, and the ability to wake up to music from the iPod library. Altec Lansing’s Octiv Mini audio dock will be available in July and will sell for $60.

Griffin Technology and Waterfield Designs have each unveiled new cases for the iPhone 4. Griffin’s lineup includes the Elan Holster Metal, a horizontal holster-style case with a Velcro closure flap, polished metal accent, and a soft inner lining for $35, the Elan Passport Wallet, a vertical folio-style case with inner card/ID slots, a separate pocket for bills, and metallic accents for $40. Also available will be the slim-line Reveal case with a clear polycarbonate rear and rubber edging for $25. Waterfield is offering its iPhone Smart Case, a sleeve-style, padded fabric cover with a high-impact, rigid insert, a Ultrasuede inner lining, and a low-profile pocket. It comes in standard, flap, or clip styles, and sells for $39-$45. Both Griffin’s and Waterfield’s new cases for the iPhone 4 are coming soon.

In addition to opening pre-orders for the iPhone 4 and 8GB iPhone 3GS this morning, Apple has added the iPhone 4 Bumpers, iPhone 4 Dock, and iPhone 4 Universal Dock Adapter 3-Pack to the Apple Store for immediate ordering. Continuing the surprises that began earlier today with the unexpected unavailability of the white iPhone 4 device, Apple has also staggered the availability dates for its Bumpers protectors, with only one color—black—available on the June 24 launch date of the iPhone 4, and the other five colors shipping on July 2, 2010. The iPhone 4 Dock and Universal Dock Adapter 3-Pack are both listed with June 24 “ship by” dates.

Apple’s iPhone 4 Bumpers are rubber and plastic edge protectors for the new iPhone model, apparently providing no front or rear coverage for the glass and metal device. The company describes them as “a fun and unique way to personalize your iPhone 4,” and sells them separately in white, black, blue, green, orange, and pink versions for $29 each, a further surprise to those users who expected the modestly protective Apple designs to come in six-packs a la its earlier iPod Socks.

Essential TPE has debuted its new Icon battery pack for the iPhone. The Icon is a dock-connecting battery pack featuring an integrated rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery and an unusual design that uses EL lighting technology and mimics the iOS’ full-screen charging indicator. Although the exact capacity of the battery is unknown, the company claims the Icon provides up to three hours of additional talk time and up to 18 hours of additional audio playback. Essential TPE’s Icon battery pack for iPhone is available now and sells for $50.

Hard Candy, Uncommon, and Proporta have all announced their new case lineups for the iPhone 4. Hard Candy’s new cases include both soft touch and metallic versions of its textured polycarbonate Bubble Slider case, the snap-on Superlight case, and the soft touch, polycarbonate Candy Slider, all of which are priced at $35. Uncommon will be offering customizable versions of its TPU-based Trooper Case and Gallery Case—in white or black—as well as the simple Loop. Finally, Proporta’s lineup includes updated versions of its Aluminum Lined Leather cases for $43, Silicone cases for $29, and Shine cases for $37, as well as standard and mirror-finish screen protectors. All of Hard Candy’s new cases for the iPhone 4 are available for pre-order now and will ship June 15; Proporta’s new cases can also be pre-ordered and will ship soon, while Uncommon will be taking orders for and shipping its new lineup later this summer.

Konnet has rolled out its new ReflexDock Pro for the iPod and iPhone. Designed to work with encased iPods and iPhones, the ReflexDock Pro features an integrated Dock, the ability to charge and sync the attached device via a micro USB port on the rear, Konnet’s Sound Reflection Design to improve the speakerphone experience while docked, and an included AV output connection cable. Konnet’s ReflexDock Pro for the iPod and iPhone is available now and sells for $50.

Marware and Belkin have announced their new cases for the iPhone 4. Marware’s lineup includes updated versions of past cases, including the SportShell Convertible for $45 and CEO Premiere for $35, as well as the new CustomShell, a polycarbonate case with a clear window on the back to allow for user customization that sells for $30. Belkin’s new offerings include Grip cases like the textured Grip Ergo for $25, Shield cases like the Shield Shock for $30, leather Verve cases like the Verve Cinema for $30, and Fit armbands including the ProFit for $40. Both Marware and Belkin’s new cases for the iPhone 4 are expected to ship later this month.

Jays has outed its new a-JAYS Four iPhone stereo music headset for the iPhone 4. Designed to match the iPhone 4 but compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPad, third-generation iPod touch, fifth-generation iPod nano, and third-generation iPod shuffle, the a-JAYS Four iPhone features an in-line three button control module, the same sound signature as the company’s a-Jays Three, a new, custom-built silicon microphone, an angled 3.5mm plug, and a flat, tangle-free cord. a-JAYS Four iPhone will be available in black and white and is expected to ship in Q3 2010; pricing has yet to be announced.

Incipio and Case-mate have debuted their new case lineups for the iPhone 4. Incipio’s new cases include an updated version of its best-selling, form-fitting Feather case, available in 12 different colors, and the new Destroyer case, a protection-focused case featuring a shock-absorbing inner layer and an outer “glass reinforced resin” shell. Case-mate’s offerings include an updated version of its I Make My Case custom-designed case, and the Fuel Lite, a slim battery pack case offering up to two extra hours of battery life for $50. All of Incipio and Case-mate’s new cases for the iPhone 4 are coming soon.

Westone has introduced its new ES5 Elite Series Custom In-Ear Monitors. Custom molded to fit the individual user’s ear anatomy, the ES5 features five balanced armature drivers with a passive three-way crossover, 25dB of ambient noise reduction, and an included deluxe carrying case, cleaning cloth, a bottle of Oto-Ease, and a wax loop. Westone’s ES5 In-Ear Monitors require ear impressions to be taken and will be available June 28 for $950.

Scosche Industries and Cygnett have both rolled out their new cases for the iPhone 4. Scosche’s new cases include the bandEdge g4, a polycarbonate and rubber edge case priced at $25, and the kickBack g4, a glossy polycarbonate and rubber hybrid case featuring an integrated rear horizontal kickstand for $35. Cygnett’s new offerings for the iPhone 4 include the WorkMate, a dual-layer silicon case with ribbed edges for added shock protection and an included screen protector, and the Molecule, a perforated silicon case with six interchangeable inserts and an included screen protector. Both companies’ new cases for the iPhone 4 are coming soon.

Alongside the iPhone 4, Apple today announced a pair of accessories for its latest handset. Bumpers are case-like rubber and molded plastic accessories that appear to wrap around the edge of the iPhone, with metal covers for the volume and power buttons. Available in six two-tone color combinations—white, black, blue, green, orange, or pink—they will sell for $29. In addition, Apple will offer a redesigned iPhone Dock for the iPhone 4, roughly matching the width of the device and leaving the sides of the iPhone exposed; it too will sell for $29. Apple will launch the iPhone on June 24; it is unclear whether the new accessories will be released at the same time, or at a later date.

Gumdrop Cases has launched its first Apple accessories, including two cases for the unannounced fourth-generation iPhone. The Gumdrop Skin and Moto Skin are form-fitting cases for the fourth-generation iPhone, offering open access to ports and controls and textured surfaces. Both come in a variety of colors and sell for $30. The AirShell is a snap-on polycarbonate hard shell case offering open access to all ports, controls, and the camera, and either a pearl finish—on the Palmtree Island models—or a soft touch, textured finish on the Skater Nation models; it sells for $35. Also available from Gumdrop are the form-fitting Moto Skin TPU case and folio-style Surf Convertible case for the Apple iPad, both of which sell for $40. All of Gumdrop Cases’ new accessories for iPhone and iPad are available now.

iSkin has introduced its new Enigma premium case for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. The Enigma is based around a lightweight polycarbonate case, which is wrapped in genuine Napa leather that’s been treated for added durability. Other features include microfiber inner lining, a non-scratch metallic front face, a push-through Home button cover, metallic accents, open access to all other ports, controls, and the camera, and a slip-in design. Available in black or white, iSkin’s Enigma case for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS will begin shipping on June 8 for $100.

H2O Audio has introduced its new Surge Contact Waterproof Headset. Good for use up to 12 feet underwater, the Surge Contact features an in-ear design, neodymium drivers, varying sizes of included elastomer and foam earplugs for a secure fit, and an in-line microphone with single remote button to allow for use with the iPhone, iPod touch, or other compatible device. H2O Audio’s Surge Contact Waterproof Headset is available for order now and is expected to ship June 14 for $70.

V-Moda has announced that its Crossfade LP headphones are now available. Previewed by iLounge in January, the Crossfade LP are over-the-ear headphones featuring memory foam ear cushions, a steel frame, patent-pending 50mm dual-diaphragm drivers, two included, detachable Kevlar-reinforced fabric cables, one with a three-button remote and mic for use with the iPhone, iPad, and iPod, and an included exoskeleton carrying case. V-Moda’s Crossfade LP headphones are available now in white, chrome, and gunmetal black and sell for $250.

Sound ID has debuted its new, app-compatible 510 Bluetooth Headset. The 510 uses three microphones and sound processing to help eliminate background noise, and features an in-ear design, touch sensor volume controls, a dedicated on/off switch, multi-point technology to allow for connection of multiple devices at once, and an environmental mode to allow the user to hear the surrounding environment while wearing the headset. In addition, the 510 is compatible with Sound ID’s free EarPrint app for the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, which allows users to tune the audio to match their preferences, and offers a visual battery meter indicator and a find my headset feature. Sound ID’s 510 Bluetooth Headset will be available from AT&T and Sound ID’s website beginning June 6 and is priced at $130.

Scosche has announced that it is now shipping its flipSync charge and sync cable for the iPod and iPhone. Recipient of an iLounge 2010 CES Best of Show Finalist award, the flipSync is a keychain USB charge and sync cable, sporting retractable 30-pin and USB connectors that snap into the main, car remote-sized body when not in use. Scosche’s flipSync charge and sync cable for the iPod and iPhone is available now and sells for $20.

CableJive has rolled out its new dockXtender cable for the iPod, iPad, and iPhone. The dockXtender is a 30-pin male to female extension cable that allows full use of a docking product by the attached iPod, iPad, or iPhone from up to six feet away. Features supported by the dockXtender include listening to audio, watching video, charging, syncing, remote control, and any other function supported by the connected docking device. With custom-molded connector housings, the dockXtender can be used with most cases, covers, and skins, and also offers a 2-tier shielding system that puts all audio and video signals inside their own separate shielding to avoid interference from other signals traveling through the wire. CableJive’s two-foot dockXtender cable is available now and sells for $26; the six-foot models will go on sale at the end of the month and will be priced at $32.

Griffin Technology has announced its latest charging accessories for the Apple iPad. The PowerJolt Plus is an in-vehicle charger featuring a connected, coiled 30-pin cable, a 2.1 amp charger, and a pass-through 12-volt accessory socket for connecting a second vehicle charger. It sells for $30; for more information on the PowerJolt Plus for iPad see our First Look article. The PowerJolt Micro is a more compact vehicle charger for iPad designed for travel, featuring a 2.1 amp charger, a USB port for charging not only iPads, iPhones, and iPods but other USB-charging devices as well, and an included 30-pin to USB cable. It sells for $25, as does the PowerJolt SE, a simple charger with an attached coiled 30-pin charging cable, a 2.1 amp charger, and an LED charging indicator ring. Finally, the PowerDuo for iPad is a combo pack including both the PowerBock wall charger and the standard PowerJolt car charger for $40. All of Griffin’s new chargers for the iPad are available now.